Alpha Lipoic Acid

      The world around us is constantly being polluted by chemicals on a daily basis.  Not to mention that some choose to harm to their bodies in the form of drinking and smoking.  So what do you do if you want to protect yourself from your choices and your environment?  Easy, you take antioxidants.  One of the most powerful antioxidants out their is Alpha Lipoic Acid. 

      Like most antioxidants; this one promises to keep you looking younger longer and fight off free radicals that cause many of the common diseases of the world. 

Of particular importance to antioxidant researchers is Alpha-Lipoic Acids apparent ability to regenerate and actually prolong antioxidant activity of such important nutrients as Vitamins C, E and glutathione; offering enhanced protection and healing. In fact, many of the beneficial effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid may be due to its ability to regenerate glutathione, a potent amino acid antioxidant. This amino acid is a powerful immune enhancer, liver protector, and heavy metal detoxifier. Because it is a sulphur compound, Alpha-Lipoic Acid can bind and help eliminate heavy metals such as copper, iron, mercury and cadmium; risk factors for a wide range of degenerative disease. In German studies of Type II diabetes (NIDDM), Alpha-Lipoic Acid has shown promise as well as in cataract studies at the University of California at Berkeley and in cardiovascular studies concerned with LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.

 

Although there have been hundreds of studies over the last 40+ years revealing how Alpha-Lipoic Acid energized metabolism, the new excitement about this vitamin-like substance can be seen in the many recent studies focusing on how it improves the physique, combats free radicals, protects our genetic material, helps the body with healing, slows aging, helps protect against heart disease, cancer and many other diseases, according to Richard A. Passwater, Ph-D., In Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic Antioxidant.

 

“Lipoic acid has also been used for decades to protect the liver and to detoxify the body of heavy metal pollutants, such as excessive iron, copper and toxic metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury,” Passwater continues. One of the exciting recent developments is that Alpha-Lipoic Acid appears to help slow the progression of HIV-infection to clinical AIDS.” (source)

 

Why People Use Alpha Lipoic Acid

Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by injury, nutritional deficiencies, chemotherapy or by conditions such as diabetes, Lyme disease, alcoholism, shingles, thyroid disease, and kidney failure. Symptoms can include pain, burning, numbness, tingling, weakness, and itching. Alpha lipoic acid is thought to work as an antioxidant in both water and fatty tissue, enabling it to enter all parts of the nerve cell and protect it from damage. Preliminary studies suggest that alpha lipoic acid may help. In one of the largest studies on the use of alpha lipoic acid, 181 people took 600 mg, 1200 mg or 1800 mg of alpha lipoic acid a day or a placebo. After 5 weeks, alpha lipoic acid improved symptoms. The dose that was best tolerated while still providing benefit was 600 mg once daily.

Brain Function
Alpha lipoic acid can cross the blood-brain barrier, a wall of tiny vessels and structural cells, and pass easily into the brain. It is thought to protect brain and nerve tissue by preventing free radical damage.

Age-Related Conditions
As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid can neutralize free radicals which can damage cells. Free radical damage is thought to contribute to aging and chronic illness.

Other Conditions
Alpha lipoic acid has also been suggested for cataracts, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, burning mouth syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke, but large, well-designed studies are needed to see if it’s effective for these conditions (source)

Caution:  As with any supplement; results may vary.  Try taking a small dose first to see how your body responds to this acid. 

   Most people hate to take any kind of supplement and will make up any excuse not to take pills.  However, the world today can be a dangerous place for your body if it isn’t equip to fight off the free radicals.  Protect yourself and take your supplements. 

Adria Ali